The Hidden Dangers Of A Messy Van: Why Clutter Could Cost You Big

How many drivers have messy vans?

It probably didn’t start that way.

But over time, life gets busy, and you’ll “tidy up next time.”

We all know “next time” rarely comes.

Suddenly, you’ve got cans, coffee cups, and wrappers piling up in the cab.

Sound familiar?

But is it really a problem?

Actually, yes—it can be.

Imagine something on the floor rolling over to the driver’s compartment.

What could happen then?

Two things are likely.

You need to brake, but there’s something lodged under the pedals.

Or, you decide to move it—and now, you’re distracted.

Both situations can lead to serious consequences.

If your van’s too messy, you could even face fines and points on your licence.

Did you know?

While there’s no specific law against a messy van, Rules 117-121 and 144 of the Highway Code might still apply.

Law enforcement, for instance, could easily notice you struggling with clutter.

As a result, depending on the severity, you might face a fine of up to £5000.

And in the unfortunate case where a fatality occurs due to distraction?

A prison sentence may inevitably follow.

Think it’s rare?

Apparently, millions of drivers leave rubbish in their vehicles.

But if your van looks more like a skip, it’s time to clean up.

Take it home.

But don’t throw rubbish out of the window.

Rule 147 of the Highway Code prohibits that too.

This includes cigarette ends and all that clutter.

Remember, it’s about consideration for others—especially cyclists and motorcyclists.

Is your insurance up to date?

Now’s a good time to check.

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Holiday Hazards: Why Dogs Are A Real Threat To Delivery Drivers

The Hidden Hazards Delivery Drivers Face During The Holidays

It’s a story as old as time for delivery drivers:

The family dog charges at an unsuspecting postman.

When we think of dogs and Christmas, this probably isn’t the first image that comes to mind.

More often, people say, “Dogs aren’t just for Christmas.”

But for delivery drivers, the holiday season can bring a different kind of worry.

Why Dogs Pose A Unique Threat To Delivery Drivers

No matter how cute or friendly a dog might appear, their instincts can still take you by surprise.

For certain dogs, the sight of a delivery driver’s fingers slipping through the letterbox quickly registers as an unwelcome intrusion.

In fact, just recently, we stumbled upon the story of a Scotsman who has learned this lesson firsthand.

Real Stories: When Friendly Fidos Turn Fierce

Glen Morgan, a veteran delivery driver for Hermes, has had his share of run-ins with canines.

In his eight years on the job, he’s been attacked four times.

His first encounter was especially severe—requiring stitches and a tetanus shot.

A Neighborhood Hazard That’s Hard To Avoid

Most delivery drivers know which homes in their neighborhood have aggressive dogs.

But here’s the thing:

In most cases, there’s very little a driver can do aside from hoping that the owners will keep their pets secured and out of reach.

Not exactly what you’d want on your Christmas wish list, is it?

The Unexpected Danger Of Surprise Attacks

And then, there are the sneak attacks.

Unpredictable and startling, these can be the most nerve-wracking of all.

For many, non-contact delivery during the pandemic brought a sense of relief.

According to Royal Mail, dog attacks on their delivery staff dropped by 31% with non-contact delivery.

Staying Safe: Resources And Advice For Drivers

Royal Mail has a helpful resource—the “Dog Awareness” page—for posties looking to stay safe.

Here, you’ll find:

  • Tips for drivers on handling dog encounters
  • Advice for dog owners to prevent incidents
  • Case studies like Glen Morgan’s

You can even see which areas in the UK are the worst for dog attacks on delivery drivers.

A Final Word Of Caution For The Holiday Season

As the Christmas rush ramps up, delivery drivers work harder than ever.

The moral of the story?

Be cautious and aware of your surroundings—especially when dogs are nearby.

One last tip:

Don’t let your van insurance renewal ruin Christmas, either.

We’ll leave you with a helpful tip.

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